Know Your Enemy: Pittsburgh Steelers
By Riley B
I caught up with Craig, the editor of Fansided’s Steelers blog, to ask him so questions on today’s Steelers vs. Ravens matchup. Here’s what he had to say:
1. The Steelers were quiet this offseason making hardly any roster changes. Do you think this is a good move or will it hurt them in the end?
"The team made it to the Super Bowl last season and was one 2 minute drill drive away from winning. Everyone was very quick to point to the secondary being the ‘big problem’ for the team. I really believe that the team was fine the way it was, save for a couple of players on the O-line and in the secondary. But as a unit these two positions gelled very well over the season. I think GM Kevin Colbert knew that and made sure that the cap money was going to important contract extensions – like Ike Taylor and LaMarr Woodley. I think it was a good move for now, and hopefully the team can continue its trend of drafting well, developing young players and keep the high performance vets around for as long as they can."
Continue reading to hear the rest of what Craig had to say…
2. What do you think is the Achilles heel of the Steelers? Is there any position in particular that worries you?
"There’s no doubt that the O-line is a weak link for the team. Yet they somehow keep things together enough to allow the offense to be productive – even with all the injuries and rotations the line went through last season. The position that actually worries me is wide receiver. There’s so much potential there and talent that I hope it doesn’t self implode. Remember back a ways when Seattle had an emerging force of wide receivers and then just tanked at the end of the season and killed their playoff hopes and dreams? Well, that’s what I worry about with this young group. Hopefully the vets like Ward and Cotchery can keep the group together and productive when things aren’t ‘clicking.’"
3. I’ll throw the question right back at you. Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed?
"I think Reed is great and certainly puts up some great stats with his interceptions. But I have to go with Polamalu. The guy is crazy good on the field and can start from any spot and make an impact on the play. He’s fast, blitzes incredibly well, covers equally as well and hits hard to jar the ball loose. He is the X factor on the field. The bottom line for me is that offensive coordinators plan around Polamalu. That’s huge. What single player is planned around on their own team as well as the opposition? Not many. Every down, every play the QB is wondering, where’s Troy? I’m not sure they do that for Reed. Seems like they are more concerned with level two – Suggs and Lewis. It’s a debate that can rage on until both of these guys retire."
4. How important do you think this game is? Would it be fair to say that the winner of this game is the favorite to win the division?
"Every divisional game is important. You need to be at the top in order to make the playoffs, and the AFC is good enough that it’s difficult to land those two wild cards if you don’t win the division. Plus it’s Steelers vs. Ravens – the two most important games of the season for the rivalry and braggin’ rights. However, I don’t think that the winner of this game is the favorite. It’s still only Week 1 – this will be the first full game for the starters. There’s a lot up in the air still as to where both these teams are headed in the weeks to come."
5. What’s you prediction for the game and why? Is it finally time for Joe Flacco to jump the hurdle or will the Steelers maintain dominance in the AFC North?
"I think the Steelers will come out on top on this one. Everyone is healthy and poised to play a big game. What could be a surprising element is a high scoring affair. Maybe not as much as last night’s Packers v Saints game. But, we could easily see over 28 points for each team because of the way the offenses are built now. I’m going to say 35-31 Steelers – yes another game decided by less than a TD. Joe will just have to wait another game to get that monkey off his back. I feel for that guy. He needs to figure out how to get rid of the bad juju."
Bonus Question.
Just for fun, I always like to ask Steelers fans this. If you lost a bet and had to wear a Ravens jersey for a day, who would it be?
"Vinny Testaverde. The only guy I don’t hate who’s ever been a Raven."
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